Annual awards created in memory of law firm partner and public interest advocate
Boston, MA, March 16, 2015 – Brown Rudnick, an AmLaw 200 firm with offices in the US and Europe, today announced the recipients of the 8th annual Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest M. Robert Dushman Pro Bono and Community Service Awards. These two awards honor both a successful Brown Rudnick attorney and a non-attorney whose professional or work life has demonstrated the qualities and commitment to the public interest that distinguished the Firm’s late partner, M. Robert Dushman.
The Pro Bono Award was presented to Andrew Dash, a partner in the Brown Rudnick’s Litigation Group in the New York. During his 23-year legal career, Andy has been one of the pro bono leaders in the Firm, recording hundreds of pro bono hours. He has been a mentor and supervising partner in a number of initiatives, including Kids in Need of Defense (“KIND”) representation of immigrants facing deportation, German WWII Ghetto Workers reparations and supervision of the ADL Summer Associate Research Project. Andy has also recently been elected to the Board of the Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation. Although he has announced plans to retire soon, Andy intends to continue providing pro bono representation in the future through the Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest.
The Community Service Award was presented to Dianne Byrne, Records Manager in the firm’s Boston office for over seven years. Dianne devotes much of her personal life to assisting the poor and hungry. For 20 years, she has been an active member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society’s local chapter at St. Brendan’s parish in Dorchester, MA, and she is currently in her third year as chapter president. Dianne oversees the church’s food pantry which provides food for those in need. The Society sponsors blood drives annually through the American Red Cross and two annual clothing drives, collecting clothing and small household goods that are then offered to the poor at no cost or very minimal cost through local St. Vincent de Paul clothing stores. Recently, Diane and the Society initiated a new partnership with Saint Mary’s Center in Dorchester, MA to support women and children who have experienced trauma and who are living in poverty. The partnership provides them with financial support as well as things like clothes. During the Christmas season Diane also coordinates their Giving Tree program with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and The Boston Home. This program provides gifts to needy children and adults.
According to Brown Rudnick CEO Joseph F. Ryan, “Pro bono legal representation, charitable giving and volunteerism are an essential aspect of our Firm’s character. Andy and Dianne serve as exceptional role models for others, and their example illuminates a core aspect of our Firm’s character. We applaud them for their commitment to giving back to the community.”
As part of the Dushman awards, Brown Rudnick will make a $2,500 contribution to a non-profit charitable organization chosen by Andy and Dianne. Dianne has directed her donation to two organizations: the local chapter of the St. Vincent DePaul Society and Boston Children’s Hospital. Andy selected the New York office of KIND (Kids in Need of Defense).
About Brown Rudnick LLP
Brown Rudnick, an international law firm with offices in the United States and Europe, represents clients from around the world in high-stakes litigation, international arbitration and complex business transactions. Clients include public and private corporations, multinational Fortune 100 businesses and start-up enterprises. The Firm also represents investors, as well as official and ad hoc creditors’ committees in today’s largest corporate restructurings, both domestically and abroad. Founded more than 60 years ago, Brown Rudnick has over 230 lawyers providing advice and services across key areas of the law. Beyond the United States, the Firm regularly serves clients in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. With its Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest, the Firm has created an innovative model combining its pro bono, charitable giving and community volunteer efforts.
BROWN RUDNICK LAW FIRM
